Styrofoam is a plastic type often used in food packaging and insulation. It is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally over time. This can harm the environment if it is not disposed of properly.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to dispose of styrofoam properly so that it does not contaminate our planet!
How to Dispose of Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is one of the world’s most popular polymers. Approximately 14 million tonnes are manufactured each year on a worldwide scale. A substantial portion of this is disposed of as waste.
The most visible approach to removing styrofoam for shippers and customers is to trash it. However, this isn’t an ecologically responsible practice because Styrofoam packaging isn’t biodegradable. Instead, recycling or reusing are far superior choices.
The chemical styrene has been classified as a carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. Toxins may be released during decomposition, harming ecosystems and rendering them unsafe to dispose of via fire.
1. Break It Down
Polystyrene’s lightweight, insulating qualities make it ideal for protecting goods in transit. It also implies that the substance is big and difficult to break down before you can fit it in your trash. When used as packaging for large items, it may be too big to put in your car’s trunk sometimes.
Take the time to carefully unpack the styrofoam and break it down as completely as possible. The tiny particles are prone to breaking off. They can get into drains, rivers, and oceans, where they may eventually accumulate. Single-use plastics and styrofoam are serious pollutants in our seas and on our coastlines.
2. Throw It Away
If you have a small quantity of styrofoam, you might decide to toss it in the garbage. Getting in your car and driving to a recycling center isn’t worth it. The environmental damage caused by going to the recycling center and back is debatable.
However, it is incredibly light but bulky when it reaches the landfill. It will take up a lot of room and hundreds of years to degrade, and the tiny pellets will easily blow away and into waterways. Before disposing of your Styrofoam cups and other trash, consider collecting a big bag of them.
3. Recycle It
The recycling of rigid polystyrene (EPS) products is possible. The EPS industry has established a nationwide collection infrastructure to aid recycling efforts.
It is composed of 98 percent air, making it very simple to recycle and repurpose. Because it’s comprised of a single polymer, it can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality.
They are recycling polystyrene results in small pellets. These pellets may be used to make everything from roof tiles to traffic cones to park benches and coat hangers. Because of its durability, this unique plastic polymer byproduct can endure for many years after recycling, giving new life to recycled Styrofoam shipping containers.
There are over 200 collection sites where you can dispose of Styrofoam items. The EPS-IA’s Recycler directory may assist you in locating the closest drop-off location.
If your area does not have an EPS recycling facility, consider sending it back by mail. Only clean styrofoam is accepted; remove any tape, labels, or attached cardboard before disposing of it properly.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has taught you how to dispose of styrofoam properly! Remember, when disposing of styrofoam, it is essential to break it down into small pieces, recycle it if possible, and avoid throwing it away in the garbage.
FAQs
Can I burn styrofoam?
No, burning styrofoam is not recommended as it releases toxins into the air.
How long does it take for styrofoam to decompose?
Styrofoam takes hundreds of years to decompose.
Is Styrofoam a Hazardous Waste?
Although polystyrene production was considered one of the world’s fifth-largest sources of hazardous waste in 1986, styrofoam itself is not classified as hazardous.
Additional Contents
